How to prepare for a bariatric surgery?

Preparing for bariatric surgery involves a few key steps to ensure you’re physically and mentally ready for the procedure and the lifestyle changes that follow:

1. Consult with your healthcare team: Meet with your surgeon, dietitian, and possibly a psychologist to discuss your health history, set realistic goals, and understand the post-surgery lifestyle.
2. Start a pre-surgery diet: Your surgeon may recommend a low-calorie, high-protein diet to help shrink your liver and reduce surgical risks. Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, and focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Practice mindful eating: Start eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly. This habit will help you adjust to smaller portions and aid digestion after surgery.
4. Adjust your lifestyle: Begin phasing out alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. These can interfere with your body’s healing process and may need to be limited long-term.
5. Prepare mentally and emotionally: Bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon…is a big lifestyle change. Working with a counselor or joining a support group can help you build mental resilience and a support network.
6. Start an exercise routine: Building a low-impact exercise habit, like walking or swimming, will improve your physical condition before surgery, making recovery easier and helping establish a post-surgery routine.
7. Stop smoking: If you smoke, stop well in advance, as it can complicate surgery and recovery. Smoking increases the risk of surgical complications and can slow the healing process.
8. Arrange your post-surgery environment: Stock your kitchen with healthy foods, such as protein shakes, broths, and pureed foods, and remove unhealthy temptations. Arrange your space for easy mobility, especially if you’ll have limited movement initially.
9. Prepare for the post-op diet: Know the stages of the post-surgery diet, which often start with liquids, move to pureed foods, and then soft foods before returning to solids.
10. Plan for downtime: Arrange for help with household tasks, work, and childcare for at least a few weeks, so you can focus on recovery without added stress.

These steps can help ensure that you’re fully prepared for both the surgery and the lifestyle changes that follow, setting you up for a smoother recovery and better long-term results.

11. Get blood work and other pre-op tests done: Your healthcare team may require blood tests, an EKG, or other assessments to ensure your body is ready for surgery. Complete these well in advance to allow time for any necessary adjustments.
12. Educate yourself on nutritional supplements: After surgery, your body may have a harder time absorbing certain nutrients, so daily vitamins and minerals will be essential. Understand which supplements you’ll need post-surgery, such as a multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, and possibly B12.
13. Create a support network: Besides family and friends, consider joining a support group for bariatric patients. Speaking with others who have undergone similar surgeries can provide insight, encouragement, and helpful advice.
14. Set realistic goals and track progress: Define both short- and long-term goals, focusing not just on weight loss but also on improved health, energy, and lifestyle changes. Tracking small victories like increased energy or the ability to be more active can help you stay motivated.
15. Plan for emotional changes: It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. Bariatric surgery can also bring changes to self-image and social interactions. Preparing for these shifts with counseling or mindfulness practices can be beneficial.
16. Practice post-surgery routines in advance: Since you’ll need to drink water slowly throughout the day and avoid drinking with meals, start these habits now. This makes it easier to adapt once your intake capacity is reduced.
17. Educate family and friends: Share your goals and needs with those close to you, so they can support you in making healthy choices. Educating them on your diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help them understand your journey and avoid unintentional pressure or misunderstandings.
18. Prepare for possible physical side effects: Familiarize yourself with common post-surgery experiences like changes in taste, temporary hair thinning, or mild gastrointestinal adjustments, as they are normal but can be surprising if unexpected.
19. Take pre-surgery photos and measurements: While weight loss will be visible on the scale, photos and measurements can provide additional motivation. Many patients find it inspiring to see their progress visually over time.
20. Remember why you’re doing this: Write down your reasons and motivations for undergoing the surgery, whether it’s to improve your health, gain mobility, or enhance quality of life. This list can be a valuable reminder during challenging moments in your journey.

Here are a few more considerations to further enhance your preparation for bariatric surgery:

21. Plan for post-op exercise: While your activity level will be limited immediately after surgery, your surgeon will likely recommend light physical activity (such as walking) to help with circulation, prevent blood clots, and support healing. Plan how you can gradually increase your activity level, following your surgeon’s recommendations.
22. Stock up on post-surgery foods: After surgery, you’ll need to follow a specific diet progression. Stock your kitchen with foods like protein powders, clear broths, sugar-free gelatin, and unsweetened applesauce. Having these on hand will make the early stages of recovery easier and reduce temptation.
23. Prepare for a slower recovery process: Recovery after bariatric surgery can take time. In addition to the physical healing, there will be an emotional adjustment period as your body and mind adapt to the new changes. Be patient with yourself and don’t rush the process.
24. Research and understand potential risks: Bariatric surgery, like any major surgery, carries risks. Research potential complications, such as infection, blood clots, or nutritional deficiencies, so you are aware and can take preventive measures.
25. Set up a post-surgery care plan: Arrange for someone to help you during the initial recovery period, especially for the first 1-2 weeks when you may have limited mobility and energy. This person can assist with cooking, grocery shopping, and other daily tasks.
26. Know the stages of the post-op diet: Bariatric surgery typically involves multiple stages for your diet: liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and then solids. Understanding each phase and the types of foods you can eat will help you prepare meals and avoid frustration.
27. Manage pain and discomfort: Pain management will be part of your post-op plan. Ensure you have the prescribed medications or other pain relief strategies ready for after the surgery. Managing discomfort early on will help your recovery process.
28. Expect to follow up regularly: Your healthcare team will want to monitor your progress, so make sure you have follow-up appointments scheduled. These visits are important for tracking weight loss, nutritional intake, and overall health. Stay consistent with these check-ups to address any issues early on.
29. Mental and emotional well-being: Bariatric surgery is not just a physical transformation—it’s a mental one, too. The change in eating habits and the focus on weight loss can sometimes lead to emotional challenges. Prepare for possible emotional ups and downs and consider counseling or joining support groups for ongoing emotional support.
30. Focus on long-term lifestyle changes: The success of bariatric surgery depends heavily on adopting and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and proper hydration should become part of your daily routine. Remember that the surgery is a tool to help you, but the work is ongoing.

By taking these additional steps, you can ensure that you’re fully prepared for both the surgery and the long-term changes that come with it. Being proactive and informed will set you up for the best possible outcome and a successful transformation.

To further ensure your success both before and after bariatric surgery, here are a few final steps to consider:

31. Develop a mindset for long-term success: Bariatric surgery is a tool for weight loss, but lasting results are achieved through continuous effort. Cultivate a mindset that prioritizes self-care, health, and patience with the process. Mental resilience is key for navigating both challenges and successes.
32. Address potential social challenges: After surgery, you may face social situations where food choices become challenging, such as at family gatherings, holidays, or dining out. Plan ahead for these situations by bringing your own food or explaining your dietary changes to loved ones. Over time, you’ll develop strategies to stay on track without feeling isolated.
33. Track your food intake: Keeping a food journal or using an app can help you stay accountable to your dietary goals, especially in the early stages post-surgery. Tracking will also give you insight into your eating habits and help you avoid overeating.
34. Build a network of support: Reach out to friends, family, or online communities that have gone through bariatric surgery. Connecting with others who understand the journey can provide encouragement, tips, and help when you encounter difficulties.
35. Set new, achievable goals: In addition to weight loss, set goals related to fitness, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Whether it’s walking a certain distance, fitting into a new size of clothing, or improving your health markers (like blood pressure or cholesterol), having goals will keep you motivated and give you a sense of achievement.
36. Prepare for the possibility of plateaus: It’s common to experience weight loss plateaus after bariatric surgery. Understand that this is a natural part of the process and stay committed to your health routine. Your body will eventually adjust, and focusing on non-scale victories can help keep your morale up.
37. Stay informed about new research: Bariatric surgery is an evolving field, and new treatments, techniques, and advice emerge regularly. Staying informed about the latest research can help you make well-rounded decisions regarding your health and lifestyle.
38. Celebrate milestones: As you achieve key milestones, such as losing a set amount of weight or hitting a fitness goal, take time to celebrate your progress. Recognizing achievements boosts morale and reinforces positive habits.
39. Maintain good sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is vital for both physical and mental recovery. Establishing a consistent sleep routine before and after surgery will help with healing, energy levels, and overall well-being.
40. Create a post-op routine: Develop a structured daily routine that includes time for healthy meals, exercise, hydration, and self-care. Having a routine helps establish stability and reinforces your commitment to maintaining the lifestyle changes required for long-term success.

With these additional strategies in place, you’ll have a strong foundation for both a smooth recovery and lasting success after bariatric surgery. The journey will have its ups and downs, but staying committed to your health and well-being will guide you toward your goals.